Arsenal right back Hector Bellerin made a huge breakthrough
Arsenal right back Hector Bellerin made a huge breakthrough into the first team last season. Not many expected him to flourish at Barcelona, where he spent much of his youth.
Like many other Catalan players who had moved to the Premier League,Bellerin secured an early transfer to Arsenal. He came in the footsteps of Cesc Fabregas, who had made a similar move when he was in his late teens. Fabregas went on to become one of the top players in the Premier League and earned a £ 35 million return to the Camp Nou. After a couple of years at Barcelona, he has returned to the Premier league once again in a £ 30 million deal.
The 20-year-old has stated that Fabregas was a major inspiration for him, as he was following the same route in a key stage of his career. Due to the numerous injury problems faced by Arsenal, the club brought in Bellerin as a regular first choice towards the second half. Despite being relatively young, he did not disappoint and made 24 appearances in all competitions. This included 90 minutes in the final of the FA Cup against Aston Villa.Bellerin is expected to have a bright future at the Emirates after his breakthrough season.
"Cesc was a big inspiration. To see someone who made the same move and success, for me it was very important to see that happen.It was an important move for me, moving away from my family and friends and my city.But to see someone has succeeded as I said was really important and he showed that if you work hard, if you want it enough, you will always have a chance. I know it is going to be really hard because Debuchy's back,” said the 20-year-old about his chances last season.